Baked Veggie Rice Skillet

Name: Baked Veggie Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup of uncooked brown rice; 2 cups of vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup of broccoli florets; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 carrot, shredded; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 cup of shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Meals

I love preparing this Baked Veggie Rice Skillet whenever I'm craving a hearty yet healthy meal. It combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with perfectly cooked rice, all baked together to develop incredible flavors. The ease of preparation allows me to whip it up on busy weeknights while still treating my family to something delicious and nutritious. Plus, the vibrant colors of the veggies make it so inviting. Trust me, this one-pan dish will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Created by

Yvette Harrington

Last updated on 2026-01-15T16:09:40.190Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to prepare such a flavorful dish. I experimented with various vegetable combinations and settled on a mix that balanced sweetness and savoriness beautifully. The key is to sauté the veggies before baking to bring out their natural flavors and ensure the rice absorbs all the deliciousness.

This Baked Veggie Rice Skillet has become a staple in my kitchen. The aroma that fills the home during baking is intoxicating! I often find myself making extra just to enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with colorful vegetables for a satisfying and healthy meal
One-pan preparation makes for easy cleanup
Great for meal prep and tastes just as good the next day

Key Techniques for Success

When cooking the brown rice, it's crucial to maintain a low simmer after adding it to boiling broth. This gentle cooking technique ensures the rice becomes tender without turning mushy. If you're using white rice, reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye out for a slightly chewy texture as the perfect doneness. Since brown rice has a nuttier flavor, it beautifully complements the earthy tones of the vegetables.

Sautéing the onion and garlic until fragrant is essential for building a flavor base that permeates the entire dish. I like to cook these for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until they’re translucent, then add the other vegetables. This not only ensures that the flavors meld but also enhances the vibrant colors of the bell pepper and zucchini, making the dish visually appealing.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of vegetables in this dish can be customized to suit seasonal availability or personal preferences. For example, asparagus or green beans are excellent substitutes for broccoli, providing a crunch to the dish. Likewise, kale or spinach could be used for a leafy green twist. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly as different veggies may require different cooking durations to achieve the right level of tenderness.

Olive oil plays a significant role in this recipe, not only for sautéing but also for enhancing flavor and providing healthy fats. If you prefer a different taste, feel free to swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, you can omit the cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, which can melt nicely when baked.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Baked Veggie Rice Skillet:

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked brown rice
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup of broccoli florets
1 zucchini, diced
1 carrot, shredded
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup of shredded cheese (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Baked Veggie Rice Skillet:

Prepare the Rice

In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the uncooked brown rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the rice is tender.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Then, add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

Combine and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In the same skillet, combine the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your wholesome and tasty Baked Veggie Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or chili powder when sautéing the vegetables. You can also add leftover protein like chicken or tofu to make it even heartier.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Baked Veggie Rice Skillet is an excellent dish for meal prep. You can cook the rice and sauté the vegetables in advance, allowing them to cool before combining. Once assembled, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This ensures you have a nourishing meal ready to go on busy nights.

If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend freezing it before baking. Place the combined rice and veggies in a freezer-safe container, and it should last up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake straight from the fridge as outlined in the recipe.

Serving Ideas

This dish can be served as a main course or as a side. Pairing it with a protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, elevates it to a complete meal. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for added freshness and color. I often serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon, which brightens the flavors.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding nuts or seeds, like toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds, just before serving. They provide a delightful crunch and contribute healthy fats. Additionally, a few red pepper flakes can offer a subtle kick, elevating the entire dish's profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, but note that white rice will require less cooking time—about 15-20 minutes.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, like asparagus, spinach, or peas.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.